ROYAL FELICITATIONS TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ETSU NUPE
72nd Birthday | 21st Throne Anniversary | Launch of Etsu Yahaya Foundation
With a heart filled with deep respect and immense joy, I extend my warmest congratulations to our revered father and royal light, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, FNIAA, the Etsu Nupe, Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Coordinating Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, on the triple celebrations of:
* His 72nd birthday
* His 21st year of purposeful leadership on the exalted throne of the Bida Emirate
* The successful launch of the noble Etsu Yahaya Foundation
Over the past two decades and beyond, Your Royal Highness has exemplified what it means to be a king, a royal father, a bridge-builder, and a visionary nation-builder. You have offered wisdom without wavering, leadership without pride, and compassion without limits.
Your reign has been marked by:
* Consistent promotion of peace, unity, and cultural identity across Nupe land and beyond
* Philanthropic interventions in education, youth empowerment, health, and interfaith harmony
* Mentorship of future leaders and the repositioning of traditional institutions as relevant actors in national discourse
* Advocacy for responsible governance, inclusive development, and the protection of tradition in a modern Nigeria
The establishment of the Etsu Yahaya Foundation is yet another testament to your ever-growing commitment to humanity, service, and sustainability. It stands as a noble legacy that will impact generations long after today.
Indeed, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to others.” (Daraqutni, Hasan)
May Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy:
* Continue to preserve your life in strength, wisdom, and peace
* Shower His blessings upon your family and the Bida Emirate Council
* Grant you continued grace to reign with fairness, truth, and divine favour
* Strengthen the unity and prosperity of Nupe Kingdom, Niger State, and Nigeria at large
**اللهم احفظه بحفظك وبارك في عمره وذريته، وأيده بنصرك، ووفقنا جميعًا لما تحب وترضى**
“O Allah, protect him with Your protection, bless his life and offspring, support him with Your help, and guide us all to what You love and are pleased with.”
Long live Your Royal Highness. Long live the Nupe Kingdom. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
With profound respect and royal admiration,
Engr. Sani Ndanusa FNSE, FNICE, FNIM
Marafan Nupe | Ubandoman Jiwa
Former Minister of Sports & Former President, Nigeria Olympic Committee
